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Investigations

New York Auto Transport Broker Indicted on Charges of Mail and Wire Fraud

On December 11, 2014, Gregory Sclafani was indicted on wire and mail fraud charges by a federal grand jury in U.S. District Court, Central Islip, New York, for defrauding consumers after they scheduled auto shipments with Sclafani's company, AUSA Logistics.

On November 13, 2014, Sclafani was arrested by DOT-OIG Special Agents, U.S. Postal Inspectors, and the New York State Police.

The indictment alleges that from 2007 and 2014, Sclafani, the owner of various auto transport broker entities, engaged in a scheme to defraud consumers by advertising long distance auto transport on the internet. After consumers booked the trips and deposited their money, their cars were oftentimes not shipped and Sclafani absconded with their money. Additionally, it is alleged that Sclafani routinely committed bank fraud by withdrawing money from customers' bank accounts without their authorization or knowledge. The investigation has identified at least 100 victims with a monetary loss of approximately $600,000.

The interstate transport of vehicles by brokers is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Sclafani's authority to operate AUSA Logistics was revoked by FMCSA in January 2012; however, Sclafani continued to operate as though he was a properly registered broker.

We are conducting this investigation with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the New York State Police.

Note: Indictments, informations, and criminal complaints are only accusations by the Government. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.